Soon after the Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning, Jesus meets Mary Magdalene and tells her, “…for I have not yet ascended to the Father, but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.” (John 20:17)

Jesus is closely joined to the Father and his rightful place is to be at the Father’s side. It is only fitting then that he returns to the Father after his work on earth is finished.

Ascension is the church’s feast to remind us of that deeper truth. Jesus came from the Father, was obedient in loving the Father as he offered his life for us on the cross and has now returned to be with the Father in heaven.

Ascension is also the indicator that the Church has a role in continuing His mission on earth. The people of God with the help of the Holy Spirit carry out the work that Jesus began during his brief time on earth. We call this the Great Commission.

This commissioning will be empowered to complete its task by the gift of the Holy Spirit, which in the church’s calendar comes a week later. All this serves as a reminder that Jesus’ mission on earth is now in our hands. May his Spirit guide us.

Fr Tom